IES Enables Safe Transit for Bristol Zoo’s Cherished Gorillas

In over three decades of crate manufacturing and moving precious cargo; it was one of the most delicate relocations we’ve made possible.

IES is pleased to announce that Bristol Zoological Society’s much-loved gorilla troop has arrived safely at the new African Forest development.

These Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas were successfully relocated from their former home at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton.

As part of our special partnership with Bristol Zoological Society, IES designed and manufactured a highly bespoke wooden crate which met the exacting safety and comfort requirements of these magnificent mammals; the world’s largest living primates.

Giving back to the community

IES support for the move is part of a wider partnership with Bristol Zoological Society, which was forged in 2024.

We are delighted to continue our backing for the charity - a place where the community can connect with nature, a champion of international wildlife conservation, and a key contributor to the local economy.

As Bristol Zoological Society ushers in a new era, IES is honoured to have played our part. The exciting redevelopment mimics a Central African rainforest environment, and the seven relocated gorillas will be the star attraction in this modern, conservation-focused zoo.

How we did it 

The manufacture of the crates for the move - which included a first-of-its-kind crate that enabled a mother gorilla and her child to be transported together - was the culmination of a lengthy design process.

Site visits and surveys over several months allowed our crate makers and engineers to work with the zoo’s team, ensuring that the design complied with technical restrictions and overcame spatial restrictions. The welfare needs of the troop were paramount, with the crate offering enough space for the gorillas to stand upright, lie down, and fully turn.

The bespoke crate was made from a durable combination of hardwood, metal and welded mesh or similar, with handles fitted on three sides, and a sliding door with strong fastenings to avoid accidental opening. Adequate ventilation was assured by 2.5cm openings across all sides, while feed and water containers were secured at an appropriate height.

Learn more - for further reading on IES’s crate design process for this project, read our Bristol Zoo gorilla relocation case study here.

A special bond

We are aware that the gorilla troop clearly formed a special bond with the zoo’s staff and visitors during their stay in Clifton, and will continue to do so at the habitat on the outskirts of the city.

During our site visits, IES crate makers were fascinated by the inquisitive nature of the gorillas, who kept a close eye on our team as they worked.

IES and Bristol Zoo 

IES is delighted to have provided our craftsmanship for this exciting project, and will continue to offer our support to the zoo whenever we can.

Niels Morch, Founder of IES, said: “Our partnership with Bristol Zoological Society is a very important part of IES’s commitment to their rare species conservation programme. The opportunity to manufacture crates and offer creative solutions for the successful move of the popular gorilla troop adds extra dimensions to this blossoming relationship. The zoo is a big hit with our employees and their families, and it’s very gratifying for IES to be involved with such a tremendous local conservation project. We are all looking forward to the next challenge!”